Happy 4th of July! We are so blessed to live in this great nation. Thank you to all who have served to protect our country and have fought for our freedom. We owe you.
One week from today we get to take a group of students with us to share the love of God to a forgotten people within our nation. On July 11th, we head off for the Fort Apache Indian Reservation near Whiteriver, AZ. The ministry there will be difficult, because the people are very steeped in their old traditions. Although some of our students will be given opportunities to preach, while some lead worship and others run children's services, most of our results will come from simple acts of kindness during the day such as a shared meal, a word fitly spoken, or a timely act of service. Pray for our team that we will be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading and not become so consumed with the "public" ministry that we miss the little "private" opportunities to show love. One thing I have learned in ministry is that our pride can let us become so consumed with doing a "good job" preaching, leading worship, teaching, or whatever else we are gifted in that we miss the actual ministry God has for us that day. So my prayer is for every team member to be fulfilled on this trip because they discover the little daily assignments God has for them. Those are the things that will last long after we are gone from that place.
You don't have to take a mission trip to fulfill daily assignments from God. God has something for each of us each day if we will just find what that something is through seeking Him and listening to His voice.
Matthew 10:42 says: "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Just a little food for thought regarding this scripture. Sometimes the assignments God has for us are not for the sinner, but for a brother or sister in Christ who may be discouraged or hurting. The term "little ones" actually refers to a disciple of Christ, possibly one who is despised for their Christianity. Wow, that really makes me think of the Apache Christians because their Christianity is not accepted by their own people! Lord, let our team take that cup of cold water! God may just show you someone on the job where you work who faces persecution to any degree because of their faith, or it could be the person who sits down the row from you at church every Sunday. Hurting, broken Christians. They are everywhere. Ask God to show you daily how you can take someone a cold cup of water.
Last week in service, our pastor shared an incredible story of Beth Moore's about a "cup of cold water" she was able to give someone. Then in our Wednesday youth service, our sweet Sunni Peters who just graduated SAGU preached and shared the story again! Now as I have written to you these things that have flowed from my heart and really I think from the Holy Spirit I am reminded of that story, and there just happens to be a clip of Beth Moore sharing it on you tube, so it's worth your time to click, listen, and watch. Amazing story of how God used a hair brush to be that cold cup of water! Beth Moore: The Hair Brush
Father, show us ways today to give a cold cup of water in your name! We love you!
No comments:
Post a Comment